Andrew Cuomo on Jobs

Democratic Governor

Reduce the crushing burden of unemployment & workers comp

We must continue to reduce costs of doing business in the New New York. We must reduce the crushing burden of unemployment insurance and workers comp. You will hear this from almost every businessman in New York.
We propose a reform of the workers comp program that would streamline the system.
We would also reform the unemployment insurance program by ending borrowing to pay benefits for the first time in state history.
It will reduce the cost to business while also increasing the benefits to workers for the first time since 1999. And it will save $1.3 billion to business, just think about that.

Current minimum wage is unlivable

The current minimum wage is unlivable. It's only $14,616. The annual cost of gasoline is $1,200. The annual cost of electricity is $1,300.
The annual cost of auto insurance is $1,400. The annual cost of groceries is $6,500. The annual cost of childcare is $10,000. The annual cost of housing is $15,000 on a minimum wage of $14,000.
My friends, it does not add up. Nineteen other states have raised the minimum wage; we propose raising the minimum wage to $8.75 an hour.
It's the right thing to do. It's the fair thing to do. It is long overdue. We should have done it last year. Let's do it this year.

Phase One casino gambling plan: three Upstate casinos

We can revitalize the Upstate economy by increasing tourism through destination resorts and casinos. The fact is that gaming already exists throughout New York State, but the state is unable to fully capitalize on it. Native Americans have five casinos,
and there are nine racinos at race tracks.

This year, the Governor will propose a Phase One casino gaming plan, with the following elements:

Begin by locating up to three casinos in Upstate New York.

No casinos will be located in New York
City--the plan is to bring downstate New Yorkers and other visitors to Upstate.

The Gaming Commission will pick the best locations and the plan must have local government and community support.

Any revenue raised under the plan will be split
90% for education and 10% for local property tax relief.

Casino gaming has significant potential to be a major economic engine for New York State. It is estimated that over $1 billion of economic activity can be generated from casino gaming.

Attack chronic unemployment among inner-city youth

We attacked chronic, high unemployment among disadvantaged inner-city youth with an innovative jobs program that will provide immediate tax credits to businesses that hire our youth and will also provide training to
make sure these youths are ready for employment. We restored New York's reputation as the progressive capital of the nation. We passed landmark achievements in social justice and economic justice.

Source: 2012 New York State of the State Address
, Jan 4, 2012

Labor unions protect fairness at negotiation table

We believe in economic justice. We believe that anyone who works full-time should live above poverty. We believe labor unions protect fairness at the negotiation tables. Because we believe that a rising tide must lift all boats, we believe in a
tax system that creates opportunities for working people and promotes economic growth; we oppose a system that is stacked in favor of the privileged few who have the wherewithal and access to put their narrow interests above the public's interest.

Source: Crossroads, by Andrew Cuomo, p. 64-65
, Oct 14, 2003

Economic development must not shortchange workers’ rights

Cuomo called for unionized labor in proposed Indian-owned gambling casinos in Buffalo and Niagara Falls. “There should be a guarantee that unions can organize at the new casinos.
With the current deal, there are no guarantees and that raises serious questions.” Under the tentative pact, the state would allow slot machines in the casinos in return for up to 25 percent of the revenue from them.